I had just started on a conference call to Seattle last night and this fellow showed up on the back deck. He seemed curious and I took the picture with my PDA through the window. When I did open the door, he was gone before I even got open a crack. I think it is a western northern flicker woodpecker, but am not 100% sure. It is the first time I recall one showing up in my backyard. The ashtray served as a landing-place. It is not used for anything else.
Today, a visitor called
Briefly paused and rested on the stoop.
He seemed uneasy
Still, made himself to home.
Furtively, glanced about
Perhaps, hoping he would go unnoticed.
He seemed likeable
I moved to greet him
Suddenly, he slipped away
Gone, as quickly as arrived
I wish him well on his journey.
ivonprefontaine
Teacher as Transformer 